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Updated January 10, 2024·
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420, despite being more expensive, offers better performance thanks to its higher-end processor and more RAM, making it better suited for intensive tasks like engineering or 3D modeling. It also has a more portable design and a somewhat higher battery life, which is convenient for mobility. On the other hand, the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 is more wallet-friendly and offers a larger screen, but with lower resolution and performance due to its basic processor and less RAM, making it suitable for general use rather than demanding tasks. Additionally, its battery life is slightly shorter, which may be a consideration if you're frequently on the move. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Dell Inspiron 14 7420
- Good for general use
- Good for software development
- Good overall build quality
- Very good portability
- Very good keyboard
Advantages of the Dell Inspiron 15 3520
- The Dell Inspiron 15 3520 has no clear advantages over the Dell Inspiron 14 7420.
Key differences
General Use
7.5
6.9
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
260.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
259.0 nits
7.5 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
6.5 Hours
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
6.5/10
8.3/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
7.6/10
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 is good for general use, while the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 is only fair.
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 stands out for general use with its higher-end processor, double the RAM, and superior screen quality that comes with higher resolution and brightness, contributing to a clearer and more vibrant display, along with better portability due to its smaller size and slightly longer battery life compared to the Dell Inspiron 15 3520. Meanwhile, the Inspiron 15 3520 is bulkier, has a less powerful processor, less RAM, and a lower-quality display, though it offers a larger screen size and excels in heat management, which may appeal to those looking for a budget-friendly option with a spacious display.
Engineering and Design
6.9
6.3
6.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
5.8/10
3.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 and Dell Inspiron 15 3520 are both only fair for engineering and design, though the Dell Inspiron 14 7420 is somewhat better.
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 is better suited for engineering and design due to its more powerful i7 processor, superior integrated graphics, and higher RAM, which are crucial for demanding applications and multitasking; additionally, it sports a better screen for clarity in visual tasks. In contrast, the Dell Inspiron 15 3520, while offering a larger screen, has a more modest i3 processor, lesser RAM, and a basic graphics solution that make it less ideal for intensive workloads despite its potential advantage in speaker quality and a slightly quieter operating noise.
Software Development
7.3
6.7
6.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
5.8/10
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
6.5/10
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 is good for software development, while the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 is only fair.
PerfectRec’s Software Development Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for software developers.
Screen Quality
6.2
6.8
14.0in
SIZE
15.6in
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
120Hz
260.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
259.0 nits
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 has a better screen than the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 for software development, and content creation, while the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 has a better screen for general use, gaming and AI, and engineering and design.
For both the Dell Inspiron 14 7420 and 15 3520, the screen qualities suffice for everyday tasks like browsing and document editing, thanks to acceptable resolution and brightness, but they lack the fine detail and vibrancy that pricier screens offer. Engineering and design work require accurate colors, and while these laptops may cover the basics, professionals might find the color representation limiting compared to high-end displays with extensive color gamuts. And for gaming or 3D applications, the absence of high refresh rates can make for less smooth visuals, compromising the immersive and responsive experience desired in fast-paced or detailed scenes.
Portability
Very Good
Good
14.0in
SIZE
15.6in
3.6 lbs
WEIGHT
3.6 lbs
0.6in
THICKNESS
0.8in
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 has very good portability, while the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 has good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
7.4
6.2
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 has good build quality, while the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 has only fair build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$801
$325
$0
$200
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 has a price of $801 and the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 costs $325.
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Key similarities
Gaming and AI
6.2
6.0
3.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
120Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
7.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.5/10
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 and Dell Inspiron 15 3520 are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420, with an Intel i7 Iris Xe GPU and a 60 Hz IPS screen, makes for a fair gaming and 3D option within its range, although the limited screen refresh rate and integrated graphics mean it won't handle high-intensity games as well as devices with dedicated gaming GPUs. Meanwhile, the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 has a slightly larger screen but an Intel UHD Graphics card and a higher refresh rate of 120 Hz, which can offer smoother visuals but the graphical power may not match that of laptops designed specifically for gaming and demanding 3D tasks.
Content Creation
7.3
7.0
6.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
5.8/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 and Dell Inspiron 15 3520 are both good for content creation.
PerfectRec’s Content Creation Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for photo editing, video editing and other content creation tasks.
Battery
7.5 Hours
6.5 Hours
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 has 7.5 hours of battery life. The Dell Inspiron 15 3520 has 6.5 hours of battery life.
Battery life estimate is based on a mix of common use patterns. More portable and higher performing laptops tend to have less battery life.
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We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Dell Inspiron 14 7420 and the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Dell Inspiron 14 7420 | Dell Inspiron 15 3520 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$801 | $325 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | May 1, 2022 | May 1, 2022 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 12.4'' x 9'' x 0.66'' | 14.1'' x 9.3'' x 0.83'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 3.61 lbs | 3.65 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 12.36" | 14.11" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 8.96" | 9.27" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel i7-1255U | Intel i3-1215U | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 16 GB | 8 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 4 | 4 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 2 | 2 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 512 GB | 256 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 7.5 Hours | 6.5 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 54 Wh | 41 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 14" | 15.6" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | IPS | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 1920 x 1200 | 1920 x 1080 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 260 nits | 259 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 7.4/10 | 6.3/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 8.3/10 | 7.7/10 | |
Gaming Laptop Appearance | |||
Gaming Laptop Appearance | No | No | |
Premium Business Laptop | |||
Premium Business Laptop | No | No | |
Fan Noise Score | |||
Fan Noise Score | 7.5/10 | 7.5/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 8/10 | 6.5/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 6.8/10 | 6.5/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 1080p | 720p | |
Fingerprint Reader | |||
Fingerprint Reader | Yes | No | |
Backlit Keyboard | |||
Backlit Keyboard | Yes | No | |
Number Pad | |||
Number Pad | No | Yes | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
USB Type-A | |||
USB Type-A | 1 | 2 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 2 | 1 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | Yes | No | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 3 | 1 | |
Thunderbolt Ports | |||
Thunderbolt Ports | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
Dell Inspiron 14 7420
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Dig into reviews and images
NotebookCheck
Allen Ngo | June 2022
"Notable qualities of the Inspiron 7420 2-in-1 include the 16:10 aspect ratio, strong hinges, 12th gen Intel CPU with optional GeForce MX graphics, and easy serviceability. Such features would typically cost hundreds of dollars more on higher-end alternatives from competing manufacturers. The value proposition is therefore relatively high for users looking to maximize bang for the buck."
Dell Inspiron 15 3520
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Dig into reviews and images
PCMag
Mark Knapp | January 2023
"Dell's Inspiron 15 (3525) is a peppy-enough and affordable-enough home or remote work machine, but it's not very ambitious; it does little to go beyond the basics. More the concern: It’s readily overshadowed by a number of machines that outperform and outclass it. Even if the Inspiron can get the job done today, its competition has the mettle to keep doing the job tomorrow in a way the Inspiron simply can’t promise. Plus, those alternatives are much more enjoyable after work."
Get a great deal on the Dell Inspiron 14 7420 or the Dell Inspiron 15 3520
About Dell
Dell is a highly recognizable American technology company, and is one of the largest personal computer vendor by market share. Their laptops are very popular for both personal and professional use, and they also own the Alienware brand which makes mid to high end gaming laptops. Their premium XPS range of laptops offer great build quality and portability, while Latitude and Precision laptops are known for reliability, repairability and performance for business users.
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Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
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